A. As required by RCW
35.21.915, as adopted or hereafter amended, a religious organization may host the homeless on property owned or controlled by the religious organization whether within buildings located on the property or elsewhere on the property outside of buildings.
B. Temporary safe parking areas, temporary tent encampments and temporary tiny house encampments must comply with the setback requirements established for the underlying zone.
C. Temporary safe parking areas, temporary tent encampments, and temporary tiny house encampments must not be located within a critical area or its buffer.
D. The maximum number of people allowed at one time in a single temporary safe parking area, temporary tent encampment or temporary tiny house encampment will be determined by the community development director taking into consideration site conditions, but in no case may the number be greater than 100 people. In determining the maximum number of people allowed at each individual encampment, the director shall consider factors such as the size and location of the site, the surrounding land uses, and other contextual factors.
E. Fencing adequate to limit access to the site for the safety and security of residents must be installed on the perimeter of the shelter site; provided that fencing does not create a sight obstruction at the street or street intersections or curbs as determined by the city engineer. A six-foot-tall fence, which may include chain link or other temporary fencing materials, is presumed adequate for this purpose. The director may waive this requirement if there is sufficient vegetation, topographic variation, or other site considerations such that complete perimeter fencing would not be needed to serve this purpose.
F. If provided, exterior lighting must be directed downward and glare must be contained within the shelter site.
G. The following health and safety elements must be provided for the temporary shelter site:
1. Exterior 2A-10BC fire extinguishers within 75 feet from any point in the shelter site;
2. A designated smoking area;
3. Flame-retardant materials for tents over 300 square feet and canopies in excess of 400 square feet;
4. Prohibition of any open flames, except an outdoor heat source approved by the fire department;
5. A first aid kit large enough to serve the maximum population of the shelter site;
6. Obstruction-free access aisles as required by the fire department;
7. Appropriate power protection devices at any location where power is provided;
8. Trash receptacles in multiple locations throughout the site and regular trash patrols in the immediate vicinity of the site;
9. Regular removal of trash from individual trash receptacles and a centralized area for trash and recycling that is regularly serviced by a local provider of this service;
10. Chemical toilets set back at least 40 feet from all property lines as recommended by the portable toilet service provider, along with the recommended maintenance of these toilets, or access to toilets in an indoor location;
11. Hand-washing stations by the toilets;
12. Running water in an indoor location, or continuous running water in an outdoor location that is discharged to a location approved by the city;
13. Posting at the site and distribution to shelter guests copies of health and safety information provided by the city, county, or any other public agency;
14. Cooking facilities, if provided, may be located in an indoor or outdoor location and must include the following:
a. A sink with running water. If located outdoors, it must include continuous running water that is discharged to a location approved by the city;
b. A nonabsorbent and easily cleanable food preparation counter;
c. A refrigerator or cooler to keep perishable food cold; and
d. All products necessary to maintain the cooking facilities in clean condition.
15. Tiny house encampments must include the following additional indoor safety measures for the tiny homes:
a. A working battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide alarm;
b. Two openings to allow escape of smoke. Openings must be within 12 inches of the top of the wall and on two opposing walls. Such openings must be a minimum of 12 square inches, with the smallest dimension of one inch. Openings must be screened to keep insects out. Screen openings must be 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch;
c. No fuel gas appliances or equipment;
d. No smoking, lighted candles or other type of flames;
e. No locks or latches that might inhibit an emergency escape from within the unit. A single cylinder deadbolt lock or lever-handled door latch is permitted, as long as it does not require the use of a tool or key to lock or unlock it from inside the unit.
H. On-site parking of the sponsor must not be displaced unless sufficient required off-street parking remains available for the host's use to compensate for the loss of on-site parking or unless a shared parking agreement is executed with adjacent properties.
I. To limit outdoor waiting, the shelter must be open 24 hours per day.
J. All functions associated with the shelter, including adequate waiting space, must take place on the site proposed to house the encampment.
K. A code of conduct must be provided that not only protects the health, safety and welfare of shelter guests, but also mitigates impacts to neighbors and the community consistent with RCW
35.21.915, as adopted or hereafter amended. At a minimum, the code must include a prohibition on the on-site use or sale of alcohol and illegal drugs and threatening or unsafe behavior. The sponsor and/or managing agency shall ensure that items deemed as weapons are stored in a safe location.
L. An operations plan must be provided that addresses site management, site maintenance, and provision of human and social services.
M. The sponsor and/or managing agency shall designate points of contact and provide contact information (24-hour accessible phone contact) to the police department.
N. For health and safety reasons, the sponsor and/or managing agency shall take all reasonable and legal steps to obtain verifiable identification information, including full name and date of birth, from current and prospective shelter guests and shall keep a log containing this information.
(Ord. 1414-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)